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UN inspectors have found the nerve agent 'sarin' was probably used in five sites in Syria this year. But the report doesn't point the finger at the government or opposition forces.

Transcript

SCOTT BEVAN: UN inspectors have found further indications of chemical weapons being used in the Syrian conflict.

Their interim findings in September found the nerve agent 'arin was used in an August attack, but today's report documents the probable usage of chemical weapons in four other regions.

The report doesn't state however whether the government or opposition was responsible.

Rachael Brown reports.

RACHAEL BROWN: One of the worst reported chemical attacks on civilians occurred in a rebel-held suburb outside Damascus last August.

Hundreds were killed including many children who were sleeping at the time.

The UN found unequivocal evidence the nerve agent sarin was used. Now it's found the use of sarin was probably more widespread

BAN KI-MOON: I again commend a team of experts led by professor Sellstrom for the important and courageous work. They have carried out their tasks with the highest degree of professionalism and this all in the face of many dangers.

RACHAEL BROWN: The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has today been handed the final report by the organisation's chief investigator, professor Ake Sellstrom.

It's found chemical weapons were probably used at five out of the seven sites it investigated in Syria.

Inspectors have taken alleged victims' blood samples, interviewed them and the clinicians who treated them, and have assessed evidence found at the sites like rockets.

In two cases, in Jobar and Ashrafiah Sahnaya, the weapons targeted soldiers.

In one case in Saraqeb civilians were the target.

Both groups were targeted in a march attack in Khan al Asal. Witnesses described a yellowish-green mist that smelt like sulphur

WITNESS STATEMENT: The witnesses reported seeing people scratching their faces and bodies. They also observed people lying in the streets, some unconscious, some having convulsions and foaming from the mouth, and some complaining about vision problems. The witnesses also observed dead cattle, dogs, cats and chickens at the site.

RACHAEL BROWN: At a further two sites, the UN's findings were inconclusive.

The US president, Barack Obama, made his position on the use of chemical weapons very clear last March soon after a reported attack outside the northern city of Allepo.

BARACK OBAMA: Once we establish the facts, I have made clear that the use of chemical weapons is a game changer.

RACHAEL BROWN: The UN report does not state whether the government or opposition was responsible for the attacks.

Professor Bob Bowker from ANU's Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies is Australia's former ambassador to Syria.

He says blame should be allocated where it's due.

BOB BOWKER: Certainly in cases of human rights abuse in the region, in cases such as Gaza and the Israelis, the UN was quite forthright in doing so. Knowing the people involved on the Syrian campaign, and the chemical weapons campaign there, I have no doubt that if it were possible to attribute blame, then they would do so.

RACHAEL BROWN: How difficult does it make it for the West that in today's report there's no hard evidence against the Assad regime?

BOB BOWKER: Well, I think it may have been a game changer a few months ago but now the game has moved on and the greater concern that external parties have about Syria is the reality that the Western-backed Free Syrian Army is largely now ineffective in comparison to the Islamist or Jihadist elements supported by the Saudis on the one hand or linked to Al Qaeda on the other.

And the chemical weapons aspect while it was very important I think in galvanising the focus of the United States and the Russians and the Security Council on immediate action, nevertheless, is now relegated to a secondary issue.

RACHAEL BROWN: In the aftermath of the Ghouta attack, the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, allowed international inspectors to begin destroying chemical weapons.

This work by a joint commission continues.

Ban Ki-Moon again

BAN KI-MOON: The use of chemical weapons is a grave violation of international law and an affront to our shared humanity.

RACHAEL BROWN: The report will be presented to the UN Security Council early next week.